21 At the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord,” 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
Simeon Gives His Blessing
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And inspired by the Spirit, he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
29 “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen the salvation
31 which have you prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for the people Israel.”
Mary's Soul is Pierced
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother:
“Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is contradicted, 35 and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”
36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
+JMJ+
The New Testament of Jesus Christ
Gospel of Luke 2:21-40
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